PRTC pensioners' union hold protest

The acute financial crisis in the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) has been taking its toll on superannuated employees as it management has failed to release their pensions for April.

The pensioners' union held a massive protest on Wednesday and blocked the main gate of the PRTC workshop. Recently, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had ordered to attach the salaries of senior officials including chairman, managing director and general managers of all depots.

PRTC Pensioners Association president Bhagwant Singh said the management was least concerned about their genuine demands and now they were left with no option but to intensify their battle.

"Despite court directions, the authorities have failed to release the pensions and other benefits. The state government has added to our worries as it has not provided sufficient grants to clear our dues," he said.

Hari Singh Chamak, general secretary of the association, said sanctioning loans was not a permanent solution as it might aggravate the situation in the coming years, and may reduce chances of payments of salaries and pensions due to soaring loan payments.